First the Blade
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1938. 2nd. Hardcover. "Published October 10, 1938; first and second printings before publication." 8vo. 631, [1] pp. Teal cloth with gilt lettering in color illustrated dustjacket. Near fine in very good dustjacket (price-clipped; wear, chips and short closed tears to extremities, moreso to spine ends; fading to spine). An uncommon title about an early California pioneer family. Item #18019
"A panoramic novel whose central character is an, raised in Missouri, who came to California in the 1860's, pioneering with her husband in the San Joaquin Valley, during and after the Civil War. A great deal of history is encompassed, including the land-owner-railroad conflict, Tiburcio Vasquez' raids, changes in methods of agriculture, etc. Ends in the 1890's." - Baird & Greenwood 1766. The author's first book offers a unique view of the domestic life of California pioneers; it also includes a fictionalized account of the Mussel Slough gunfight that resulted from a land dispute between local pioneer settlers and the Southern Pacific Railroad. The novel is praised for its unique female perspective on pioneer life as well as for its verisimilitude and detailed realism.
Price: $250.00